Chrysler Imperial CG Roadster, 1931
Chassis No.: CG3715 $176,000 | Sold • Odometer: 6,974 miles • Engine: Inline 8-cylinder • Transmission: Manual • Exterior: Maroon/Red • Interior: Red • Body: Roadster • The chassis originally supported the body of an Imperial Sedan • Restored years ago as an exacting rebody of a LeBaron Roadster by renowned restorer John M. Wheatley • There were only 100 original LeBaron Roadsters produced in 1931 • 148 inch wheelbase • 384 CI straight 8-cylinder engine • 4-speed manual transmission • Hydraulic brakes • Dual side-mounted spares • Rear luggage rack • Fabric cloth top • Rumble seat • Mid-body storage compartment • Chrome bumpers, headlight buckets and grille For those who comprehend the era, the Great Depression’s true classics are understandably rare. In this case, it is the CG platform Chrysler Imperial that turns heads. These second-generation Imperials were built for just three model seasons and became known as Imperial 8s thanks to the debut of the bigger 384 CI (6.3L) inline 8-cylinder engine that year. That first year, only 100 LeBaron-bodied roadsters were produced. The 148-inch chassis used here originally supported the body of an Imperial Sedan, but this vehicle was restored many years ago by renowned expert John M. Wheatley as an exacting rebody of one of those special 1931 LeBaron roadsters. The 384 CI straight 8-cylinder engine represented the reliable efficiency for which Chrysler engineers were known. With a green cylinder block, chrome pushrod cover and generator, cast-iron intake and exhaust manifolding, and single-barrel carburetor design, the 384 CI straight-8 was rated at 125 HP and gave the car the capability of 80 MPH top speeds. Here, it is gorgeously detailed and accompanied by a chrome steering column visible under hood. Behind the engine is a 4-speed manual transmission, and this car features hydraulic brakes as well. The body is done in a gorgeous maroon and red paint layout with copious chrome trim that includes dual side-mounted spares, bumpers, headlight buckets, the grille frame and the running board edging. There is a rear luggage rack, rumble seat, a midbody storage compartment and a split windscreen, and the tan fabric cloth top is a perfect accent for covering the red leather-trimmed bench seat and door panels inside. Accessing the interior through the forward-opening doors reveals a 100 MPH speedometer and associated gauging, a three-spoke steering wheel, dash padding and a floor shifter. Final exterior accents include the cowl lamps, leather belting for the side-mount spare tires, gold-trimmed Imperial and 8 grille identification, chrome exhaust extensions and the gazelle-themed hood ornament. This car rides on classic chrome wire wheels with Imperial-specific center caps and wide whitewall Firestone tires. The LeBaron roadster was a dream car of the 1931 era that most period buyers had little hope of owning. For those who love the styling and opulence, this is a real opportunity. https://www.mecum.com/lots/1122198/1931-chrysler-imperial-cg-roadster/
